Festivals in Fort Collins are not just for summertime. As the summer ends, we're looking ahead to a packed calendar of fun festivals and events in Fort Collins! Brace yourselves for adorable corgis in costumes, pumpkin patch family fun, a beautiful lighting ceremony in Old Town Square, and so much more!
Rist Canyon Mountain Fest (September 7)
The Rist Canyon Mountain Festival, held on September 7th, is the annual fundraiser for the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department. Come rain or shine, this one-day event features a full day’s lineup of entertainment and activities for the entire family. FREE admission, parking, tractor-pulled hayride shuttle to/from the parking area (handicapped parking area available), musical entertainment, large kid’s activity area, farm animals, educational booths and demonstrations, and ice cream.
Tour de Farms (September 22)
Bike Fort Collins annual community-building and fundraising Tour de Farms will be held on Sunday, September 22th. The fun and festive 30+ mile ride will be guided and led by Bike Fort Collins representatives along a route made up of a combination of paved and gravel roads, along with 4 stops at local area farms. As with past Tour de Farms, each farm stop will feature light tastings and refreshments along with a few words from each farm owner/representative. The route and farms are still being finalized, keep up-to-date here.
Northern Colorado Mountain Bike Festival (September 28-29)
Join Overland Mountain Bike Association for a full day of fun celebrating mountain bikes! The Northern Colorado Mountain Bike Festival takes place Sept. 28 - 29, starting at 9am both days. Attractions include a poker ride and demo bikes! All events take place at Lory State Park. Learn more here!
10th Annual Tour de Corgi (October 5)
See a sea of cute corgis - many in costume - set against the changing fall leaves at this quirky event at Civic Center Park and Old Town Fort Collins on October 5, 2024. Rejoice at the thought of the tenth year of Corgi cuteness! The day starts with a costume contest and concludes with a corgi parade all throughout Old Town Fort Collins. Proceeds from the event benefit 4 Paws Pet Pantry, Colorado Corgis and Friends Rescue, Wyoming Dachshund and Corgi Rescue, and Bandit's K9Care. Tour de Corgi was founded in 2014 by corgi owner Tracy Stewart.
Long View Marathon & Half (October 12)
Gnar Runners and Sweetheart City Racing collaborate to bring this city-to-city race to life each fall. Traverse the paved trail system connecting Fort Collins and Loveland, and enjoy views for days as you traverse the urban and rural beauty of Northern Colorado. The route borders Fort Collins Natural Areas, Boyd Lake State Park, Loveland Open Lands and more. Register for the race now!
Pumpkins on Parade (October 17-20)
The Gardens on Spring Creek is once again hosting its fun-for-all-ages celebration of Halloween and the harvest with Pumpkins on Parade, Oct.17-20. Delight in the hundreds of locally grown pumpkins and gourds arranged across The Gardens in artistic displays, and enjoy fun and festive activities for the whole family. Costumes are encouraged! This event is candy-free as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project. Buy tickets in advance online: Adults/children 12+, $12; Children 5-11, $8; Children 4 and under, Free!
Blue Sky (Trail) Marathon (October 19)
Blue Sky Marathon is Fort Collins’ original and only trail marathon. Explore the trails connecting Horsetooth Mountain Park and the Devil’s Backbone Open Space on this north-south tour of the easternmost hogbacks of Northern Colorado. Prepare for 3,500 feet of elevation gain (and loss) on 100% dirt and 90% Colorado singletrack. The route features a little bit of everything and appeals to veteran trail runners and those hoping to experience their first trail adventure. Registration is still open, so dust off those running shoes today!
Halloween Organ Extravaganza (October 31)
The 19th annual organ recital presented by the CSU School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, featuring classic - and not-so-classic works, including the famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor by Johann Sebastian Bach. “If you think organ music or organists are boring, this concert is designed to change your mind!” There are three concert times you can choose from: 6pm, 8pm and 10pm. The event is held at the University Center for the Arts. Buy tickets in advance online as the concert tends to sell out quickly: Adults, $15; Seniors (62+), $13; Youth (under 18), $5.
Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony (November 1)
This annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Old Town Square kicks off the holiday season in downtown Fort Collins. The ceremony will consist of live entertainment and a countdown with local dignitaries from 5:30-7 p.m. The lights are expected to turn on after a short countdown at 6:30 p.m. Every night from the first week in November through Valentine's Day, the lights will be turned on in Old Town Fort Collins. Twenty-two block faces of downtown will be illuminated with thousands of strands of lights in alleyways, along sidewalks, and within tree tops. The impressive display of low-energy and sustainable LED lights can be enjoyed anywhere along College Avenue, the northern boundary of Laporte Avenue, and continuing south to Magnolia Street. Trees will be lit along Walnut Street, Linden Street, Pine Street, Old Town Square, Oak Street Plaza, and Mountain Avenue.
Día De Muertos Community Celebration (November 2)
See a beautifully and richly decorated altar that honors those who have come before us during this colorful celebration. This cultural event takes place in Old Town Square on November 2. Enjoy a spectacular altar, mariachi band, and tributes. The altar is open for viewing at 10am with the program beginning at 3pm.
Harvest Extravaganza
Here are a few of our favorite local pumpkin patches and farms offering all sorts of fall family fun:
- The Bartel’s Farm – a huge selection of pumpkins, corn mazes, and hayrides.
- The Farm at Lee Martinez Park – visit the farm animals and take a hayride. There’s also a pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect future jack-o-lantern.
- Northern Colorado Corn Maze – Jack Lantern’s Corn Maze is a Colorado favorite.
- Something from the Farm – This family-owned farm features an organic pumpkin patch, hay bale maze, hayrides, a pumpkin catapult, and more.
- Fritzler Farm Park – Located in LaSalle, attractions at the farm include a corn maze, pumpkin patch, pedal go-carts, barrel train, pumpkin cannons, slide mountain, and more.
- Spooky’s Pumpkin Patch — Choose from a variety of pumpkins, gourds, carving kits, and even straw bales and corn stalks for your fall decorating needs at this patch, located on South College Avenue.
